Israeli Drone Strike in Lebanon Kills 2
An Israeli drone strike on a car in eastern Lebanon resulted in the death of two individuals on Friday, as reported by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency. This retaliatory strike occurred after Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group launched an attack on the Israeli border, which killed an Israeli civilian.
Egypt Sends Delegation to Israel Amidst Cease-fire Talks
Egypt, in an effort to establish a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, has sent a high-level delegation to Israel. The talks aim to avert a potential Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, particularly in the city of Rafah. Egypt has warned that such an offensive could have catastrophic consequences for regional stability. The city of Rafah, bordering Egypt, has become a refuge for over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.
Israel-Hamas Conflict Update
Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war nearly seven months ago, frequent border clashes have occurred between Hezbollah and Israel. The war was sparked by an unprecedented raid into southern Israel carried out by militants, resulting in the death of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel claims that militants are still holding around 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 others.
Ongoing Toll on Palestinian Life
The war has resulted in a devastating loss of life for Palestinians, with local health officials reporting that over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed. Shockingly, nearly two-thirds of the casualties are children and women.
Latest Developments
- Egypt has sent a delegation to Israel to facilitate a cease-fire agreement.
- A private security company reports missile fire off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea.
- A premature baby girl, born to a deceased mother in Gaza, tragically dies after five days in an incubator.
- A U.S.-led effort to provide aid to Gaza by sea is underway, but significant concerns persist.
- Protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on U.S. college campuses spark varied responses.
- Students at a prestigious Paris university occupy a campus building in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian cause.
UNRWA Staffers Under Investigation
A U.N. internal watchdog is investigating 14 suspected cases involving U.N. employees allegedly linked to the Hamas attacks on southern Israel in October. The Office of Internal Oversight Services has closed one case due to a lack of evidence, while other cases remain under evaluation. Israel has made additional allegations against U.N. employees, but no specific details have been provided.
Israeli Drone Strike
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reports that an Israeli drone strike in eastern Lebanon resulted in the death of two individuals. The Israeli military, targeting an official of Lebanon’s al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, claims that the attacks were in response to Israeli troop attacks in the disputed Chebaa Farms. The area is a source of contention with Lebanon believing it to be their territory.
Missile Fire in Red Sea
Private security company Ambrey reports a suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The missiles were seen near a Panama-flagged tanker engaged in Russia-linked trade. The Houthis, who have increased their attacks following an Israeli offensive, have refrained from claiming responsibility for the missile fire. The incident follows over 50 Houthi-launched attacks on shipping since November.
Israeli National Security Minister in Car Accident
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, sustained injuries in a car accident after visiting the scene of a stabbing attack in central Israel. Although Ben-Gvir’s office stated that he is in good condition, three individuals were injured in the accident. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, Palestinian attacks against Israelis have increased, alongside escalated violence in the West Bank.
Erdogan Denies Radar Base Allegations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refuted rumors that a Turkish radar base intercepted Iranian attacks on Israel. Erdogan emphasized that the radar center in Kurecik, Malatya province, is solely focused on Turkey’s security. He also confirmed that Turkey has cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel, implementing trade restrictions.
Concerns over Campus Protests
Israeli academic leaders expressed deep concern over the surge of antisemitism witnessed on American college campuses amid the pro-Palestinian protests against Israel. While freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate are acknowledged, the university heads condemned violence, threats, or calls for the destruction of Israel. Efforts will be made to assist Jewish students and faculty who wish to relocate to Israel.
Egypt’s Cease-Fire Delegation
Egypt’s high-level delegation, led by Abbas Kamel, has traveled to Israel to pursue a cessation of hostilities with Hamas in Gaza. Talks will initially address hostage exchange and allow the return of displaced individuals with minimal restrictions. The long-term objective is to negotiate a comprehensive resolution to the war. Egypt will also emphasize that it opposes Israel’s military deployment along Gaza’s border.
Hezbollah Ambushes Israeli Convoy
Hezbollah carried out an ambush on an Israeli military convoy, utilizing anti-tank missiles and artillery shells. As a result, an Israeli civilian conducting infrastructure work was killed. The attack took place in a disputed area known as Kfar Chouba in Lebanon and Har Dov in Israel. Ongoing border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have created tensions, resulting in significant displacement on both sides.
